The Happy Moog!

Get yer Moog on! Great track names on this one!

From the liner notes of this funky LP:
"The electronic device that has created a musical revolution. It has sparked a fantastic new concept in popular and classical music. It's the logical evolution of a music scene that's plugged into the electric age. Bach is a groove on this instrument, but it's got other colors in its electronic palette of sound. The world needs love, and this Moog Synthesizer can get with the heart and flowers scene like crazy. This is The Happy Moog!"

Obvious references to Wendy (Walter) Carlos' sublime "Switched On Bach" LP, The Happy Moog was created in 1969 by Jean Jacques Perrey and Harry Breuer.

Straight from wax!

The Happy Moog!

Kay Martin and Her Bodyguards

FINALLY!! After dozens of requests for this album, here it is in its glory! Kay Martin and Her Bodyguards! I actually found this LP at a Salvation Army about eight years ago, and it remains one of my favorites. Side two is particularly amazing. A couple of notes: I hope to remaster this again soon after getting my turntable in better shape. When I do, I will rerecord and remaster it again, but for now, this version is extremely listenable. It's uploaded here at 192 with flat EQing. There is some surface sound and some very infrequent distortion which is due to the actual record, not the record player or recording. It's very undetectable. I haven't dated this LP, but there is what appears to be a stamp (probably done by the original owner) that says 1957. Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!!

Kay Martin and Her Body Guards

Pix from new Ministry video!

Al Jourgensen's never been the kind of chap to mince words. Good for him. There ain't too many people with the cojones to say they way they really feel any more. Here are some screen captures from Ministry's latest video "Lies, Lies, Lies," from the forthcoming album "Rio Grande Blood." Directed by my good bud Zach Passero, the song is a no-holds-barred indictment of Gee Dubya's war in Iraq (we need more songs like this!). Go-go girls, a family watching the media's distortion of truth and Al and Co. pounding it out. This is going to be a damn solid and heavy album. I will post a linky to the video when it comes out. I even got to have a cameo in the vid! That's me giving a new recruit his buzz cut prior to being shipped off to the Middle East. Let's end this war now.

Ministry's Al Jourgensen autographs records for the Groove Grotto!

My good friend Zach Passero just completed a video for Al Jourgensen of Ministry and the Revolting Cocks. It's for "Fire Engine," the first single off RevCo's new album, "Cocked and Loaded." I asked ZP to see if Al (who lives in El Paso) would sign some of my 1980's vintage Ministry vinyl. Al was glad to oblige, and, I was told, was jazzed to see that some of us have kept his rekkids in great shape! Keep your eyes open for the Fire Engine video, which I can testify, is nothing short of amazing. I'll provide a linky when it goes public!

Reverend Horton Heat bringing a psychobilly freakout to El Paso!

The good Reverend Horton Heat is returning to El Paso at Lucky Devils on March 6! The Rev. hasn't been here for a while, but I can tell you, it's one of the best shows you'll see (I've caught 'em five times already!). Even better, opening for the Rev is the Legendary Shack Shakers, who play a crazed mix of rockabilly, 1930s hellfire blues and gospel swing. And it all sounds completely insane. Don't miss this show! It's certain to sell out!

Sam Donaldson comes home to Texas Western

Happy New Year everyone! I had the chance to work with former ABC anchorman and chief White House Correspondent Sam Donaldson during the holidays. Donaldson, a 1955 graduate of Texas Western College (now UTEP), assisted in promoting UTEP to the nation via the University's website. UTEP is currently getting a lot of exposure through the film Glory Road, so it was a pleasure to have an alum helping out his alma mater. I remember my days at the University in the late 80s and early 90s, walking into the communications building and seeing Donaldson's photo there. It was great to meet him in person.

Jim White and the Wrong-Eyed Jesus

I had a chance to see Luaka Bop recording artist Jim White perform last Friday at the Fountain Theatre in Mesilla, New Mexico. Jim also presented "Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus," a film which is an exploration of the deep-rooted history of religion, sin, heaven and hell within pockets of the American South. The film is a documentary, with traditional film elements within its scope. The soundtrack is excellent, featuring tracks by White, 16 Horsepower, Johnny Dowd and the Handsome Family. Well worh checking out if it comes your way. Find out more at http://www.searchingforthewrongeyedjesus.com/

To find out more about Jim White, visit:
http://www.jimwhite.net

UTEP on the Glory Road!

Fans of Don "The Bear" Haskins and our beloved UTEP (Texas Western College) Miners are getting ready for the release of Glory Road, which is the story of Haskins' arrival in TWC to leading the team to the 1966 NCAA Championship. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer (C.S.I., Remember the Titans), and released by Disney, the film will be released nationwide in January, 2006. I've had the opportunity to work with Coach Haskins on a couple of occasions, and he is probably one of the most modest and cordial individuals I've ever met. One of the film's highpoints is based on the fact that Haskins was the first coach in NCAA history to start five African American players in a championship game (against Adolph Rupp's all-white Kentucky team). Haskins has always claimed that he was starting his five best players, and those who know Haskins would say that's absolutely true, and true to his character. The significance of the game has grown through the years, as African American athletes have absolutely transformed and dominated the game on the court. And so, this game and this film will tell the story of a little team from West Texas that changed the game forever. Check out the movie trailer at http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/gloryroad/

Dia de los Muertos 2005!

Hello Everyone!

Well, this is my inaugural post in the world of Blog. Hopefully, I won't come off as too much of an idiot. So, just in case, my identity will be obscured somewhat with this first photo. Here I am, all painted up for Dia de los Muertos here in El Paso, Texas. This was taken at the Rasquache Festival near the city's downtown. I was lucky enough to have several photos ops, and my daughter had a great time hanging out with her goofy dad. We also attended the Dia de los Muertos celebration at Café Mayapan, which was really interesting and featured live music from a traditional five-piece group from Veracruz, Mexico. I'm hoping to attend the Dia de los Muertos festival in Juarez, Mexico next year. It's a fascinating holiday — reverent, yet a lot of fun!

Mini Mondo plays Ethan Hawke's daughter!

My daughter received a tiny part as Ethan Hawke's daughter in "The Hottest State," a screen adaptation of his 1996 book. Shooting was taking place here in El Paso, Texas this week. Hawke is also directing the film. Thanks to Brisa Productions for the recommendo!